| Rule Submission Title | 6.C.7. All "out" calls SHOULD BE promptly signaled. |
|---|---|
| USAP Board Vote | Disapproved |
| USAP Board Vote Reason | The amendments to 6.C.7 and 6.C.7.b in Rule Change proposal #2221 make it appropriate to continue to require mandatory out calls. In situations where a ball is clearly and unquestionably out—so much so that no one makes a formal call because they assume it's obvious to everyone—common sense should prevail. A referee should not rule the ball in simply because no out call was made, nor insist on a late out call that could then be deemed untimely. |
| Existing Rule # | 6.C.7. |
| Proposed Rule Change | 6.C.7. All “out” calls should |
| Original Rule Text | 6.C.7. All “out” calls must be promptly signaled by voice and/or hand signal. |
| Reasoning Behind Suggested Change | Modal verb "must be" indicates an absolute requirement. 2025 rule change 6.C.7.b. for unreturned balls has removed the absolute requirement that ALL out calls "MUST BE" promptly signaled.
"SHOULD BE promptly signaled" removes the current inconsistency of "must be" between 6.C.7 and 6.C.7.b., while preserving the rules' intent.
The rules governing the different timeframes to make line calls for returned and unreturned balls would remain unchanged.
|
| Scenarios In Which the Rules Applies | Both receiving partners fail to see where an unreturned ball landed. They inquire about the correct call, first with one another, then their opponents. With the "must be promptly signaled" requirement removed, their reasonable delay does not fall outside the 6.C.7. rule's requirement.
Same scenario, except both partners quickly agree on an IN call, knowing the call should be made promptly and the benefit of doubt given to their opponents.
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| Rule Book Year | 2026 |
| Rule Change ID | 2211 |
| Date Created | May 10, 2025 |
| View Comments | View Comments |
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